Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes, a nostalgic dish that’s sure to evoke fond memories of childhood dinners and cozy family gatherings. Made from scratch with wholesome ingredients and bursting with savory flavors, these Sloppy Joes offer a satisfyingly messy bite that’s guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetites. Whether served on a soft hamburger bun or over a bed of fluffy rice, this timeless recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes:

• Rich & Flavorful: Simmered in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce that’s packed with herbs and spices.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal plans.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleasing dinner option.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings and serve with a variety of sides for endless meal possibilities.

Personal Story: Growing up, Sloppy Joes were a staple in our household, often enjoyed on cozy evenings when we craved something hearty and comforting. My mom’s homemade version was always a favorite, with its rich, flavorful sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Over the years, I’ve taken her recipe and added my own twists and tweaks, creating a Sloppy Joe recipe that’s become a beloved tradition in my own family. Now, I’m excited to share this timeless classic with you, hoping it brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it has to mine.

Key Features:

• Savory ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce
• Customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, and toppings
• Quick and easy preparation for stress-free cooking
• Freezes well for convenient make-ahead meals

What I need to make Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Hamburger buns, for serving
• Optional toppings: sliced cheese, pickles, sliced onions, coleslaw

How To Make Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes

1. In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, or until fragrant.
4. Add the tomato sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.
7. Once the Sloppy Joe mixture is thick and flavorful, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
8. To serve, spoon the Sloppy Joe mixture onto hamburger buns and top with your favorite toppings, such as sliced cheese, pickles, onions, or coleslaw.
9. Serve immediately and enjoy the classic comfort of homemade Sloppy Joes!

Cooking Tips For Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes:

• For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth or red wine to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture with an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender before serving.
• Leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Variations For Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes:

• Turkey Sloppy Joes: Substitute ground turkey for the ground beef for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian Sloppy Joes: Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
• Spicy Sloppy Joes: Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.

Make It Healthier:

• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lower-fat option.
• Increase the amount of vegetables by adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
• Serve the Sloppy Joes on whole wheat or multigrain hamburger buns for added fiber.

Closing For Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes are a timeless favorite that never fails to satisfy with their rich, flavorful sauce and hearty, comforting appeal. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or served at a casual gathering with friends and family, these Sloppy Joes are sure to bring smiles to faces and warmth to hearts with every messy, delicious bite. So gather your loved ones and savor the simple pleasure of homemade comfort food at its best, knowing that the memories created around the dinner table will last a lifetime.

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Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes:

Can I make Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Sloppy Joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

What can I serve with Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes?

Sloppy Joes pair well with a variety of sides, including potato chips, french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.

Can I freeze the leftover Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe’s mixture?

Yes, the leftover Sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground beef To make Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes?

Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef in Sloppy Joes. Adjust the seasoning to taste, as ground chicken may require additional flavoring compared to beef.

Homemade Sloppy Joes

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup tomato sauce

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Hamburger buns, for serving

• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw

Directions

• In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
• Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
• Stir in ketchup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Toast hamburger buns and spoon the saucy meat mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
• Top with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, pickles, or coleslaw, if desired.
• Place the other half of the bun on top and serve immediately.